Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I met this storyteller through my book blog. I enjoyed learning more about her this way! She is also a book blogger!
Name you'd like to go by: Jennifer
Age: My oldest guessed my age a few years ago and thought that I was 15. My husband promptly made me correct her and told me that I couldn’t lie about my age. With that said I’m 33.
Gender: Female
Location: Atlanta, GA
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Being a mother is my greatest accomplishment, what I am most proud of and legendary experience. Having both E and B has proven to me that being a mother is like watching your heart exist outside your body and I am constantly amazed at the capacity of a mother to love - you love your child more the next day then you did the day before. My heart stretches a little bigger every day making more room for them. Every day I don't think I could ever love the girls more...and then the next day, I do.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Really really bad reality TV. I’ll admit it – the trashier the show is on Bravo I have probably seen it. I don’t know what it is about those shows. It’s not as if I want drama in my life but it’s soooo good! I just can’t stop watching.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
Last night, my husband and E were watching a survivor show (Bear Grylls new show). The contestants were rock climbing and when they reached the summit it was one of the most amazing views I’ve ever seen. Now while I love reality TV, I don’t want to be on a show but I think to have an experience like that -- rock climbing would be breathtaking.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
It would be the gift of reading. I know it sounds silly. But next to my family, reading is one of my greatest joys and ways to escape. It saddens me greatly that more people don’t read – whether it’s because they don’t have the opportunity or because they’d want to. I can’t imagine my life without books.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
The day my stepdaughter came into my life at the sweet age of two not only changed my life but changed hers also. Over the past eight years, she has grown into a loving, mature, confident young lady. E is one of the bravest girls – people – I’ve ever met and to know I contributed to one iota takes my breath away.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I try to look at life as just life -- and not good and bad-- in other words not get caught up in the drama and trauma of emotions. I would like to find peace and serenity in the simple things of life- and to let go of past disturbances- which seem to crop up as a checkpoint to show me how far I've come- or what progress I need to make.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
Having just seen The Hangover Part III I’d have to say those movies. The chemistry between all five characters is priceless. They play off of each other really well and each character is so unique in their personality and mannerisms.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
If money were not an issue, I’d love to travel back to both Ireland and Italy and stay there for a month or so – just soak up the food, the culture, the language. And get a house on the beach.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
Probably the book I Don’t Know How She Does It. I think as a working mom – well as a mom in general – you are constantly striving to find that balance in your life. Yes, I’m that mom who will make homemade baked goods for something at the girls’ school because I can’t stand the thought of turning in store bought cookies. Am I crazy? Probably. :)
What is something that not many people know about you?
I may seem like a very social extrovert, but I’m a big homebody. I love people, but I also need a lot of quiet time at home.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
52 Stories: Young at heart
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I met this storyteller through my book blog. I love her enthusiasm for chick lit and she has such a warm and lovable personality. She's closer in age to my parents and I could see her getting along well with them if she lived in their neck of the woods. However, I also forget that she's the age she says she is because she's so young at heart.
Name you'd like to go by: Connie
Age: 67
Gender: Female
Location: Fort Myers, Florida
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
My husband and I had the opportunity to move to Paris France to live for six years. He was "on loan" from his position at NASA to a NATO Research and Development organization located in Paris. In actuality, we went for a three-year tour in the late 1970s and he was asked to go again in the late 1980s. The first time we went, we had two small sons who attended the American School of Paris. We opted to live in a house in the suburbs in an area known as La Celle St. Cloud. I spent a lot of my time assisting in the children's classrooms and in the school library. The second time we went, was easier for me. Our older son was attending college in the U.S. and our younger son would finish his high school years at the American School of Paris. This time, we got a lovely apartment in the Neuilly part of Paris and I worked at the American Embassy. We were able to do a lot of traveling and we experienced so many wonderful things about this most amazing city. I recently read Paris, I Love You But You Are Bringing Me Down by Rosecrans Baldwin. It is a story about two American Ex-Patriates who decide to move and work in Paris. Their experiences are so familiar to me and only cement all of the things I learned while living there. If you have any interest in Paris, this might be a fun read for you.
What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is and always has been reading ever chance I get. I like all types of genres. My favorites are chick lit, historical and contemporary romance, biographies and non-fiction.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I have been on some cruises before but I would love to take a cruise around the world. I realize it would be a long time, however, I feel that visiting all kinds of new places and learning about them would be thrilling.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I guess I sound like a broken record, however, I would give books as gifts. It's my favorite thing to receive so why not give what I love?
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
That's a really hard question. As the proud mother of two wonderful, grown sons, I would like to think that I had a hand in bringing them up in a good way so that they turned out to be the fabulous men that they are today.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I think that would have to fall under how I had to always be so professional when I was working. Now that I'm retired, I feel as though I can be myself all day every day. This means if I want to be a goofball, I can and no one can fire me! ;-)
What is one thing that you find really funny?
I adore cats and could easily be a Crazy Cat Lady. We have two kitties and watching and laughing at their antics all day brings me so much joy.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
As a 19-year breast cancer survivor, I would love to give myself and others the priceless gift of eradicating cancer from this world.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
While I cannot actually pinpoint anything in particular, it would have to be something where humor and laughter is always occurring. My husband and I like to think that we grew up with our sons and we all had such fun during this time. Even today, we love to get together and jokes are always at the top of the agenda.
What is something that not many people know about you?
My father passed away leaving my Mom with three little children under the age of three. While things were not easy when we were kids, we learned to make do, be strong and get along with what we had. I am so very thankful for the great upbringing my Mother gave us. She taught us the truly good values in life and to love one another. What more could one ask for?
I met this storyteller through my book blog. I love her enthusiasm for chick lit and she has such a warm and lovable personality. She's closer in age to my parents and I could see her getting along well with them if she lived in their neck of the woods. However, I also forget that she's the age she says she is because she's so young at heart.
Name you'd like to go by: Connie
Age: 67
Gender: Female
Location: Fort Myers, Florida
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
My husband and I had the opportunity to move to Paris France to live for six years. He was "on loan" from his position at NASA to a NATO Research and Development organization located in Paris. In actuality, we went for a three-year tour in the late 1970s and he was asked to go again in the late 1980s. The first time we went, we had two small sons who attended the American School of Paris. We opted to live in a house in the suburbs in an area known as La Celle St. Cloud. I spent a lot of my time assisting in the children's classrooms and in the school library. The second time we went, was easier for me. Our older son was attending college in the U.S. and our younger son would finish his high school years at the American School of Paris. This time, we got a lovely apartment in the Neuilly part of Paris and I worked at the American Embassy. We were able to do a lot of traveling and we experienced so many wonderful things about this most amazing city. I recently read Paris, I Love You But You Are Bringing Me Down by Rosecrans Baldwin. It is a story about two American Ex-Patriates who decide to move and work in Paris. Their experiences are so familiar to me and only cement all of the things I learned while living there. If you have any interest in Paris, this might be a fun read for you.
What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is and always has been reading ever chance I get. I like all types of genres. My favorites are chick lit, historical and contemporary romance, biographies and non-fiction.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I have been on some cruises before but I would love to take a cruise around the world. I realize it would be a long time, however, I feel that visiting all kinds of new places and learning about them would be thrilling.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I guess I sound like a broken record, however, I would give books as gifts. It's my favorite thing to receive so why not give what I love?
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
That's a really hard question. As the proud mother of two wonderful, grown sons, I would like to think that I had a hand in bringing them up in a good way so that they turned out to be the fabulous men that they are today.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I think that would have to fall under how I had to always be so professional when I was working. Now that I'm retired, I feel as though I can be myself all day every day. This means if I want to be a goofball, I can and no one can fire me! ;-)
What is one thing that you find really funny?
I adore cats and could easily be a Crazy Cat Lady. We have two kitties and watching and laughing at their antics all day brings me so much joy.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
As a 19-year breast cancer survivor, I would love to give myself and others the priceless gift of eradicating cancer from this world.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
While I cannot actually pinpoint anything in particular, it would have to be something where humor and laughter is always occurring. My husband and I like to think that we grew up with our sons and we all had such fun during this time. Even today, we love to get together and jokes are always at the top of the agenda.
What is something that not many people know about you?
My father passed away leaving my Mom with three little children under the age of three. While things were not easy when we were kids, we learned to make do, be strong and get along with what we had. I am so very thankful for the great upbringing my Mother gave us. She taught us the truly good values in life and to love one another. What more could one ask for?
Thursday, September 12, 2013
52 Stories: 100% pure adrenaline!
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I met this storyteller through one of my son's schools, as our sons have the same first name. Since then, I've gotten to know her and we've become good friends. She's really kind, generous, funny, and a great person to have in your corner. I'm thankful for her friendship. I've gotten to know her even better through this project and a lot of what she has said surprised me!
Name you'd like to go by: Dana
Age: 37
Gender: Female
Location: Washington, DC Metro region
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Chatting with Billy Joel on more than one occasion, then having the opportunity to work with him. I grew up in a household with die-hard Billy Joel fans, so I was learning the “Turnstile” soundtrack along with “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”
What is your guilty pleasure?
Entertainment magazines and pop culture aficionado: While I love my business focused mags like Fast Company, Inc., and Fortune Small Business – the ones that I devour are People, Entertainment Weekly, and US Weekly. I mean come on ---- Who doesn’t also love “Stars – They’re Just Like Us” and “Who Wore it Best?”
I’m also a HUGE fan of indie music. I go to shows, concerts, and festivals to hear random, new cutting room floor tunes. I like to learn about the music before it goes mainstream.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I’d love to do a Ted Talk on the importance of accessibility and breaking down barriers surrounding disability. Although, I’d like to live in a foreign country where I don’t speak the language and force myself to learn it.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I would give someone a special backpack filled with 1.) a map, 2.) a passport (if needed), and 3.) time. The adventure of getting out and seeing the world all over is a priceless gift given to me and I’d like to share that. That or some really delicious New York pizza.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
When I was 16, I worked in a local pharmacy. I sold a $5 Million dollar lottery ticket to a woman who was in from out of town caring for her ill elderly mother. She came in to claim it and FLIPPED out when she learned she just became a millionaire. It was thrilling and I had a perma-smile on my face for days.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
The published poet side of me has been kind of dormant for around 15 years. I wrote a massive amount of poetry for around a decade, but then haven’t really come back to it much.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
My children keep me entertained all the time and do the silliest things. I think our random Victrola dance parties are really funny.
When work gets really intense at times, I also really enjoy George Takei memes for a quick laugh during the work day.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I’m comfortable in my own skin and that’s a gift I’ll keep.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
Don’t know.
What is something that not many people know about you?
1. I am an adrenaline junkie and have been skydiving, scuba diving, ridden motorcycles, flown a plane, and more. I can' wait to go hang gliding one day.
2. I kick-butt at Mah-Jongg. Bring it!
3. I LOVE old school Mortal Kombat.
4. I consider myself one of the luckiest people on the planet, as my family and friends are the most precious things in my life.
5. I ride a motorcycle and would love to get a Dukati one day.
6. I have had to recite Lewis Carrol's "The Jabberwocky" from Alice in Wonderland on more than one occasion to bail me out of stuff.
7. Spring is my favorite season. Although as a child, I was enamored with summer as it meant sleep away camp which I adored.
8. My favorite city in the world is Austin, Texas. Then probably Barcelona, Spain.
9. I am hopelessly addicted to indie-rock, cutting edge, alternative, music.
10. I have several friends that I have been friends with for over 30 years.
11. Languages are amazing. I wish I had the time to learn more and practice speaking them with native speakers.
12. I can't cook very well (and should reevaluate adding the words "very well" in that sentence). I do love to eat different cuisines and try new things.
13. My husband is an AMAZING cook and one of the all-around most talented people on the planet. I am so fortunate to have him as my life partner.
14. I use to train my parrots and parakeets to do silly pet tricks worthy of a spot on the David Letterman segment.
I met this storyteller through one of my son's schools, as our sons have the same first name. Since then, I've gotten to know her and we've become good friends. She's really kind, generous, funny, and a great person to have in your corner. I'm thankful for her friendship. I've gotten to know her even better through this project and a lot of what she has said surprised me!
Name you'd like to go by: Dana
Age: 37
Gender: Female
Location: Washington, DC Metro region
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Chatting with Billy Joel on more than one occasion, then having the opportunity to work with him. I grew up in a household with die-hard Billy Joel fans, so I was learning the “Turnstile” soundtrack along with “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”
What is your guilty pleasure?
Entertainment magazines and pop culture aficionado: While I love my business focused mags like Fast Company, Inc., and Fortune Small Business – the ones that I devour are People, Entertainment Weekly, and US Weekly. I mean come on ---- Who doesn’t also love “Stars – They’re Just Like Us” and “Who Wore it Best?”
I’m also a HUGE fan of indie music. I go to shows, concerts, and festivals to hear random, new cutting room floor tunes. I like to learn about the music before it goes mainstream.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I’d love to do a Ted Talk on the importance of accessibility and breaking down barriers surrounding disability. Although, I’d like to live in a foreign country where I don’t speak the language and force myself to learn it.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I would give someone a special backpack filled with 1.) a map, 2.) a passport (if needed), and 3.) time. The adventure of getting out and seeing the world all over is a priceless gift given to me and I’d like to share that. That or some really delicious New York pizza.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
When I was 16, I worked in a local pharmacy. I sold a $5 Million dollar lottery ticket to a woman who was in from out of town caring for her ill elderly mother. She came in to claim it and FLIPPED out when she learned she just became a millionaire. It was thrilling and I had a perma-smile on my face for days.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
The published poet side of me has been kind of dormant for around 15 years. I wrote a massive amount of poetry for around a decade, but then haven’t really come back to it much.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
My children keep me entertained all the time and do the silliest things. I think our random Victrola dance parties are really funny.
When work gets really intense at times, I also really enjoy George Takei memes for a quick laugh during the work day.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I’m comfortable in my own skin and that’s a gift I’ll keep.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
Don’t know.
What is something that not many people know about you?
1. I am an adrenaline junkie and have been skydiving, scuba diving, ridden motorcycles, flown a plane, and more. I can' wait to go hang gliding one day.
2. I kick-butt at Mah-Jongg. Bring it!
3. I LOVE old school Mortal Kombat.
4. I consider myself one of the luckiest people on the planet, as my family and friends are the most precious things in my life.
5. I ride a motorcycle and would love to get a Dukati one day.
6. I have had to recite Lewis Carrol's "The Jabberwocky" from Alice in Wonderland on more than one occasion to bail me out of stuff.
7. Spring is my favorite season. Although as a child, I was enamored with summer as it meant sleep away camp which I adored.
8. My favorite city in the world is Austin, Texas. Then probably Barcelona, Spain.
9. I am hopelessly addicted to indie-rock, cutting edge, alternative, music.
10. I have several friends that I have been friends with for over 30 years.
11. Languages are amazing. I wish I had the time to learn more and practice speaking them with native speakers.
12. I can't cook very well (and should reevaluate adding the words "very well" in that sentence). I do love to eat different cuisines and try new things.
13. My husband is an AMAZING cook and one of the all-around most talented people on the planet. I am so fortunate to have him as my life partner.
14. I use to train my parrots and parakeets to do silly pet tricks worthy of a spot on the David Letterman segment.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Life with and without the Internet
It's the dawning of a new era, as our blog project group has changed by one member. As a result, we are starting Blog Project 3.0. The newest member is goodvibrations44, a friend of Moma Rock's, who seems really nice and easygoing. I look forward to reading what she has to say.
Update (9/9/13): Goodvibrations44 has come to realize that blogging really isn't her thing and has decided to leave the group. She's a great writer, so I hope she can find another outlet in the future. We enjoyed having her here and hope to stay in contact with her. She did not do a post for this week's topic, but you can click on her link to see her previous posts. In the meantime, we'll be pausing posts till after the Jewish holiday season and hope to be back in October with some new and fun topics. Stay tuned.
This week, I chose the topic: What would your life be like if the Internet never existed?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Goodvibrations44
Moma Rock
The Jewish holiday season is once again here. It's a four-week stretch of Yom Tovs, starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Simchat Torah. Because the second day of Yom Tov leads into Shabbat, it turns into a THREE day festivity each week (except for Yom Kippur, for obvious reasons). Yom Tov is observed similarly to Shabbat, except eruv rules aren't in place (meaning you can carry stuff on holidays without worrying about the eruv being up or down) and you can cook, provided you can transfer a flame. What this also means is three days in a row during three of the weeks where I will not be online at all. So that inspired today's topic.
I had been thinking a lot about what my quality of life would be like, had the Internet never come along. I know I was able to exist without it up until freshman year of college. Then everything changed the first time I entered the computer lab in Julian Hall at Illinois State University and asked to get set up with my Internet account. The first person I e-mailed was a friend from "Rocky Horror." I was clueless on what to do and sent him a message with just a note in the subject line and nothing else. He wrote back telling me I sent a blank message. I then had to ask the guy in the computer lab what I was doing wrong. Once I figured out how to send a message the correct way, I was on fire! Soon I was doing two-way chats and "fingering" to find out who was online. I even joined some newsgroups, which is the first way the Internet changed my life...as I met my first boyfriend that way.
At the time, I was mainly using a shell account and didn't understand websites or how to use them. My first boyfriend (calling him that makes him sound like some sort of doll, like My First Barbie) taught me how to surf the web, use html, and helped me create my first website. From there, he also helped me set up a V.C. Andrews website, through which I started a fan club. Lo and behold, I met a close friend at college through that club. He set me up with a shell account through his company (which is where I had access to the websites he helped me create). At one point, another guy who used that same server contacted me because of my handle ("Magenta"). That was (and still is) my friend "Quickman" or "Quick," who eventually married "Moma Rock."
And that is only the beginning....
All of this got me thinking about who I would never have met without the Internet and who I might have met regardless. It also got me thinking of the ways the Internet has enriched or detracted from my life. Since it's too much to type out in paragraph form, I'm going to share a few lists. (I'll try to keep them small. Keep in mind this is all in regards to anything that happened after the Internet came about. I would have obviously only met friends in person prior to that time.)
People I wouldn't have met without the Internet:
Now that the (Jewish) new year is here, I would like to make a "resolution" to carve out only a fraction of Internet time each day/evening so that I can also get other stuff done around the house and also not go to bed super late. It will be a work in progress for me, but I hope I can find a balance soon enough! I may have to assess how it all went by this time next year.
Update (9/9/13): Goodvibrations44 has come to realize that blogging really isn't her thing and has decided to leave the group. She's a great writer, so I hope she can find another outlet in the future. We enjoyed having her here and hope to stay in contact with her. She did not do a post for this week's topic, but you can click on her link to see her previous posts. In the meantime, we'll be pausing posts till after the Jewish holiday season and hope to be back in October with some new and fun topics. Stay tuned.
This week, I chose the topic: What would your life be like if the Internet never existed?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Goodvibrations44
Moma Rock
The Jewish holiday season is once again here. It's a four-week stretch of Yom Tovs, starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Simchat Torah. Because the second day of Yom Tov leads into Shabbat, it turns into a THREE day festivity each week (except for Yom Kippur, for obvious reasons). Yom Tov is observed similarly to Shabbat, except eruv rules aren't in place (meaning you can carry stuff on holidays without worrying about the eruv being up or down) and you can cook, provided you can transfer a flame. What this also means is three days in a row during three of the weeks where I will not be online at all. So that inspired today's topic.
I had been thinking a lot about what my quality of life would be like, had the Internet never come along. I know I was able to exist without it up until freshman year of college. Then everything changed the first time I entered the computer lab in Julian Hall at Illinois State University and asked to get set up with my Internet account. The first person I e-mailed was a friend from "Rocky Horror." I was clueless on what to do and sent him a message with just a note in the subject line and nothing else. He wrote back telling me I sent a blank message. I then had to ask the guy in the computer lab what I was doing wrong. Once I figured out how to send a message the correct way, I was on fire! Soon I was doing two-way chats and "fingering" to find out who was online. I even joined some newsgroups, which is the first way the Internet changed my life...as I met my first boyfriend that way.
At the time, I was mainly using a shell account and didn't understand websites or how to use them. My first boyfriend (calling him that makes him sound like some sort of doll, like My First Barbie) taught me how to surf the web, use html, and helped me create my first website. From there, he also helped me set up a V.C. Andrews website, through which I started a fan club. Lo and behold, I met a close friend at college through that club. He set me up with a shell account through his company (which is where I had access to the websites he helped me create). At one point, another guy who used that same server contacted me because of my handle ("Magenta"). That was (and still is) my friend "Quickman" or "Quick," who eventually married "Moma Rock."
And that is only the beginning....
All of this got me thinking about who I would never have met without the Internet and who I might have met regardless. It also got me thinking of the ways the Internet has enriched or detracted from my life. Since it's too much to type out in paragraph form, I'm going to share a few lists. (I'll try to keep them small. Keep in mind this is all in regards to anything that happened after the Internet came about. I would have obviously only met friends in person prior to that time.)
People I wouldn't have met without the Internet:
- Katydid: We met through a chat room and have yet to meet in person, but I hope we will sometime soon.
- The Eleventy Foot Tall Freshman: We met in a newsgroup from school because of Rocky Horror. We lived in the same residence hall, but there were a million people coming and going. Our paths probably wouldn't have crossed. I remember how he would tell everyone that he met one of his good friends through the Internet and I knew he was referring to me.
- My boss from NJ: I wouldn't have known about the job if not for an Internet group that posted Jewish job leads.
- All the amazing friends (readers and authors) I've met through Chick Lit Central. (If that wasn't obvious enough!)
- My Kurt Hummel loving friend who made aliyah last year. We might have met through other friends in the community eventually, but we connected via Facebook because of a comment she made in regards to Glee.
- Goodvibrations44: I met her through Moma Rock!
- My husband!!! All the factors leading to how we met have nothing to do with the Internet. I even met the guy I dated prior to him through friends, so that definitely was one of the catalysts since he got me back into bowling.
- Most of the people in the community where I live now (aside from the Kurt Hummel loving friend mentioned above). I met most of them in person prior to moving here. Even finding this community was all through word of mouth and had nothing to do with the Internet. I connected with one of my friends from the neighborhood after we ran into each other at an author event.
- "Jack," since we met when we were working together and connected instantly.
- My college friends. I met them through classes and groups, or from connections to other friends. I think I even would have met C-La if I hadn't met Jenny (the one from the V.C. Andrews club) because I knew Tansh through my major and she was also friends with C-La. (I'm glad I met Jenny, regardless!)
- Found my current job through an Internet job listing (as well as my previous job...see above).
- Blogging....need I say more?!? Really, I love having an outlet at my personal blog and I am floored by what my book blog has done for my life between the opportunity to read new books before they are released in stores, to meeting authors and connecting on a meaningful level with them, to all the friends I've made through the blog and connected Facebook group.
- Being able to reconnect with people I thought I'd never hear from again, as well as easily stay in touch with people I don't get to see that often in person. Skype is also amazing for the latter.
- One-stop shopping when I need to send a birthday gift quickly and don't have time to go to the store.
- Instant access to information.
- MAPS!!! I could not find my way around where I currently live without them. I still don't know how I would have gotten by if online maps hadn't been created by the time I started driving on expressways/highways.
- Finding cousins on my husband's side, who have now become close friends with my parents and have connected us with their kids who live somewhat nearby. Also found other cousins through them, as a result! It started with me contacting a woman who had an article written about her in a Jewish newspaper, after I saw her name come up in an online networking group for Chicago area women.
- Free e-books...even though I only read them on my Kindle for PC. (I still prefer a print book though.)
- Learning about new music from Spotify and Pandora. I found out about Sophie Milman that way. She's a fabulous singer!
- Not missing out on my favorite shows, since we don't have cable. Most network stations post them the next day online.
- Confidence. I feel more eloquent and charming when I write than when I talk. I also am less shy when I'm online.
- Videos and pictures of Miley Cyrus "twerking." (As well as other annoying celebrity news.)
- Political differences during election season. I'm sure they'd still be there, but it wouldn't be as obnoxious as it gets on Facebook.
- Constant articles about horrible things parents do to their kids...because you know morbid curiosity is going to take over.
- Having to see people I didn't like in high school being friends with my friends on Facebook. At least I can block people, if needed.
- The "time suck" factor. I don't accept game requests on Facebook anymore for this reason. SongPop was just too addictive! There's also the lack of productivity around my house, as a result.
- Overwhelming amount of information coming in at one time. Sometimes it can be a bit too much.
Now that the (Jewish) new year is here, I would like to make a "resolution" to carve out only a fraction of Internet time each day/evening so that I can also get other stuff done around the house and also not go to bed super late. It will be a work in progress for me, but I hope I can find a balance soon enough! I may have to assess how it all went by this time next year.
52 Stories: Gladly learning and teaching
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I almost don't need to say where I met storytellers anymore as like with the past few, I also met this one through my book blog. I definitely like her answer to the second question. A woman after my own heart!
Name you'd like to go by: Jen
Age (or age range): Thirtysomething
Gender: Female
Location: Nebraska
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Becoming a mom was the most enlightening, enriching experience for me. From pregnancy, to giving birth, and the first 25 months of her life, every moment has been an adventure. I love to blog about my girl and take pictures. I can't imagine a greater adventure.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I am a thrift store addict, mostly for designer, name-brand clothes. I love to find amazing buys!
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I'd love to travel to Greece. The food, people, and scenery are so appealing to me. I will go someday!
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I have two books. :) I would give anyone the book The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay. Taking place during Apartheid in South Africa, it is the story of a young boxer that fights for equal rights. That book is so powerful to me, and I love to share it with others. I would also give people a copy of Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. It is vital for anyone trying to secure their financial future. I recently read it, and it's changed a lot of my thinking.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
As a middle school teacher, I've had kids and parents come back and tell me that I made in difference in their lives. I always try to find the strengths in a child who struggles. I've had a few kids tell me they started to love to read after my class. That makes me really happy, but if someone feels inspired to reach their own goals, whether it involved reading or not, I'm happy.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
The party girl. I went out almost nightly in college and was still able to work, go to school, and write for the newspaper. If I am not asleep by 11, it's because I am writing or watching Frasier or Big Bang Theory reruns. I'd rather be a mom who goes out occasionally than the girl I once was.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
My kids crack me up. My stepson has the sarcastic teenage sense of humor, and my two year-old is constantly saying funny things as she acquires new language. Lately, she loves to sing anything and everything on the radio, from "Call Me Maybe" to "Thrift Shop" (Uh-oh!)
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love my ambition. I didn't always like it, but now I feel like I am ready to reach my goals and move ahead! If I could get myself a gift, it'd be an airplane. I love the travel and so does my husband, so it'd be great to fly wherever, whenever!
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
We have some similarities with King of Queens, if Carrie was teacher and not as snarky. I can be a little nasty, but she is downright mean more often than not!
What is something that not many people know about you?
I don't have a lot of secrets, but not everyone knows that my first career path was sales. I've sold coupons door-to-door, cars, and mail-order steaks. I love sales and advertising, but teaching is where my heart is.
I almost don't need to say where I met storytellers anymore as like with the past few, I also met this one through my book blog. I definitely like her answer to the second question. A woman after my own heart!
Name you'd like to go by: Jen
Age (or age range): Thirtysomething
Gender: Female
Location: Nebraska
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Becoming a mom was the most enlightening, enriching experience for me. From pregnancy, to giving birth, and the first 25 months of her life, every moment has been an adventure. I love to blog about my girl and take pictures. I can't imagine a greater adventure.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I am a thrift store addict, mostly for designer, name-brand clothes. I love to find amazing buys!
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
I'd love to travel to Greece. The food, people, and scenery are so appealing to me. I will go someday!
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I have two books. :) I would give anyone the book The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay. Taking place during Apartheid in South Africa, it is the story of a young boxer that fights for equal rights. That book is so powerful to me, and I love to share it with others. I would also give people a copy of Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. It is vital for anyone trying to secure their financial future. I recently read it, and it's changed a lot of my thinking.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
As a middle school teacher, I've had kids and parents come back and tell me that I made in difference in their lives. I always try to find the strengths in a child who struggles. I've had a few kids tell me they started to love to read after my class. That makes me really happy, but if someone feels inspired to reach their own goals, whether it involved reading or not, I'm happy.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
The party girl. I went out almost nightly in college and was still able to work, go to school, and write for the newspaper. If I am not asleep by 11, it's because I am writing or watching Frasier or Big Bang Theory reruns. I'd rather be a mom who goes out occasionally than the girl I once was.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
My kids crack me up. My stepson has the sarcastic teenage sense of humor, and my two year-old is constantly saying funny things as she acquires new language. Lately, she loves to sing anything and everything on the radio, from "Call Me Maybe" to "Thrift Shop" (Uh-oh!)
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love my ambition. I didn't always like it, but now I feel like I am ready to reach my goals and move ahead! If I could get myself a gift, it'd be an airplane. I love the travel and so does my husband, so it'd be great to fly wherever, whenever!
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
We have some similarities with King of Queens, if Carrie was teacher and not as snarky. I can be a little nasty, but she is downright mean more often than not!
What is something that not many people know about you?
I don't have a lot of secrets, but not everyone knows that my first career path was sales. I've sold coupons door-to-door, cars, and mail-order steaks. I love sales and advertising, but teaching is where my heart is.
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